Widal Test

This test helps to diagnose enteric fever or typhoid fever caused by microorganisms like Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi A, B, C. In this test, the blood of an individual reacts with the Salmonella antigens in test tubes and forms agglutination (clumping) or not.

What are antibodies?

Antibodies are the protective proteins produced by the immune system and also known as immunoglobulins. Antibodies are produced when any foreign substance or virus or bacteria enters the body. These foreign substances are known as antigens. Antibodies recognize and attach to the antigens in order to remove them from the body.

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi and grows in the intestine and blood. During infection, the patient’s body produces antibodies against Salmonella typhi O and H and Salmonella paratyphi AH and BH antigens.

Why widal test is performed?

This test is performed to check the Salmonella species’ antibodies in the blood. It also helps to diagnose enteric fever or typhoid fever caused by microorganisms like Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi A, B, C. The doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you are suffering from symptoms like fever, weakness, headache, loss of appetite, rose-colored spots, pain in abdomen, chills, nausea or vomiting, constipation, muscle weakness, skin rash, etc. This test may be recommended for patients who are undergoing treatment for typhoid or paratyphoid fever to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

If you have been diagnosed with typhoid or paratyphoid fever, your doctor may advise you to get this test done once every 2 weeks based on your clinical condition.

Widal blood test conditions

Note:

• Overnight fasting is not required
• Doctor’s prescription may be needed
• The test result may vary depending on previous medical and health history, etc.
• Some medications may change the test results and hence, you are advised to inform all your current medications to the doctor prior to the test

Also known as, widal slide test, widal blood test, widal typhoid test, widal test for typhoid,

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